Ethnic Politics in Nigeria: A Post-Independence Reflection

Abstract

The paper examines the historical trend of ethnic politics in Nigeria since the attainment of political independence in 1960 and its implications. In this light, the paper traces the origin of ethnic politics in Nigeria to the pre-independence era. It argues that the indirect rule colonial policy of the British government prepared the foundation which the post-independence leaders of the Nigerian state consolidated upon. The view held by this paper is that ethnic politics dominated Nigeria’s post indepedence discourses to the extent that issues such as revenue and fiscal policies, population census; and appointment into public offices etc were viewed throught the prism of ethnicity. The paper submits that Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities must unite and put their weight behind a common cause that would help the country overcome this incessant problem in its polity.